Arkansas River Valley law enforcement agencies were busy during the days leading up to the New Year celebration.

Agencies met and developed plans to monitor city, county, and state roads with the emphasis to stop drunk drivers.

Arkansas State Police Sgt. Ben Cross told The Courier that the collaboration between law enforcement agencies was “very successful.”

ASP troopers worked in teams with the Pope County Sheriff’s Department during a six-hour period Monday night. The DWI task force was specifically dedicated to identifying impaired drivers and removing them from the road, he said.

“We receive DOT funding for task force operations,” said Cross. “Having assistance from Pope County deputies increased our ability to move on to the next traffic stop.”

Additional funding and a team effort allowed the ASP and other agencies to have a strong presence.

The ASP Holiday Activity Report stated that during the 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. period on Monday, there were 38 arrests — but only eight were DWI related. There were no fatal or alcohol related accidents reported.

The weather may have played a part in the reduced number of DWI arrests, Cross said. He believed the poor weather conditions had a big influence over the reduced traffic and number of incidents.

Pope County Sheriff Aaron Duvall said that “overall, the collaborative effort went quite well.” In addition to many traffic stops, “we responded to a call from a resident about loud neighbors,” said Duvall, “and alcohol was involved.” Deputies also responded to a residential burglary call.

Capt. Scott Rentfro of the sheriff’s office said his department saw an average number of DWI arrests made — two. There were no significant events and the collaborative initiative “went smooth.”

Russellville Police Department Public Information Officer Drew Latch said “we had a really good response” as a result of this concentrated enforcement effort.

According to Latch, the last couple of years has seen a trend of reduction in the number of DWI arrests for this time of year. He believes people are becoming more educated and understand the importance of driving sober.

He asserted that because of officer awareness, media information, and community outreach, RPD had just 1 DWI arrest during New Year holiday peak hours this year.

The increased number of taxi services has contributed to this reduction as well, said Latch.